We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is fruit of faith. Hence, I strive to keep Ten Commandments for this reason, i.e., as result of my salvation, not cause of my salvation.

(c) Glorification -- Is when Christ returns, raises dead in Christ and takes both raised and living saints to heaven in our immortal bodies. It is obtained by grace through faith alone in work and Person of Jesus Christ alone.

Or, in short, Justification is freedom from sin's condemnation, Sanctification is freedom from sin's power, and Glorification is freedom from sin's presence ... all of which are accomplished by grace through faith alone in work and Person of Jesus Christ alone. I can no more raise my self from dead by my own efforts than I can justify or sanctify myself by my own efforts.

Lastly, how is this faith obtained? I like following explanation.

Faith is a gift. It is not something you work on or work up. It is a gift of Holy Spirit. Faith is not spiritual wishful thinking, or forcing yourself to believe by sheer willpower and turning off intellect. Faith is trust, based on evidence, that results in action. Faith in Christ is trust in Christ, based on evidence, that results in action.

However, even though faith is a gift, is there any role individual plays in faith? Yes, and here is analogy I like (albeit it is imperfect):

How does one get to trust anyone? By getting to know them. And if they person is trustworthy, all you have to do is get to know them, and you cannot help but to trust them. Similarly, if that person is untrustworthy, all you gotta do is get to know them, and you cannot help but to not trust them. And one thing I find in my Bible is premise that Jesus Christ is absolutely trustworthy.

So, how does one get to have faith (trust) Jesus? By getting to know Him. How does one get to know Jesus? Just like with anyone else. You talk to them. They talk to you, And you go out and do things together. You will then get to know them. How does one talk to Jesus? Prayer. How does Jesus talk to you? Bible study. How do you go out and do things together? Christian fellowship, church, mission activity, etc.

Or, as one of my favorite pastor's puts it: Prayer, fellowship, and tell someone else what you got out of first two.

Jarrod has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from UCLA, and currently works as a public school science teacher in Southern California.

I would write verses in little cards and carry them around with me, practicing them in odd moments, until I was word perfect.

Although I do not do this so intentionally now, I have to say that ongoing effect of doing that then, was far deeper than I had ever imagined. Even through storms of life, I felt impact of God's word sown in my life taking root and producing fruit. There developed solidness in my faith that was noticed by others. The Holy Spirit on many occasions, sometimes many years after I had memorized verse, brought it to mind at a time when I really need it. Not only to help me, but to use it for others. I may not now remember exact chapter and verse number, or verse word by word, but it never takes me long to remember sense of it and find it if there is a Bible close by. I may not have a Bible with me, but Holy Spirit is able to bring verse I learnt many years ago right to front of my mind, just when I need it.

As God's Word is one of few things that lasts for ever, I want to put as much of it in my life as I can whatever method I use. If you sow seeds of God's Word, you will spend your whole life time reaping it's positive fruit in your life. Memorization is still one of most effective ways of doing that and I highly recommend it.

This article was written by Barbara White, Speaker, Author. For frequent spiritual encouragement and inspiration add her Blog onto your favorites list. www.heartafterjesus.blogspot.com